Rule to Change:Fishing for BOTTOMFISH prohibited in waters deeper than 120'.

New Rule Proposal:Fishing for bottomfish prohibited in waters deeper than 60'.

Why the change is needed:The 120' depth limit was a good start but it does not go far enough. Endangered bottomfish are unlikely to survive a trip up from '120 and the current depth limit does not increase survival odds very much. The state of Alaska states (http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfmadfg=fishingSportFishingInfo.rockfishconservation) "Rockfish caught in deep water often sustain injuries...caused by rapid decompression and expansion of gases in the swim bladder. Fish that are released with inflated swim bladders cannot resubmerge and will die. Because of high release mortality...fishing is greatly discouraged, particularly in depths of 60 feet or greater...anglers can best prevent wasteful rockfish mortality by avoiding waters where unwanted catches are likely."By changing the depth limit to 60' we may have a chance to recover the population. Every 5-10 years population assessments should be conducted and once populations are at sustainable levels the can be changed to allow fishing @ lower depths

Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change:No input given

Describe their support and/or concerns:
No input given

Submitted by: SHUSTER, TODD A — BELLINGHAM, WA

Date submitted: 06/01/2012

WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation

Not Recommended for further consideration Reference ID: DFW380096

WDFW is currently conducting research in Marine Area 4B to evaluate conservation regulations for bottomfish adopted in 2010 and 2011. Postpone consideration of this rule until evaluation of research findings is completed.

Online Public Comments(2 comments)

GIRTZ, TODD September 21, 2012SUMNER, WA Comments:most of our bottom fishing is already close we do not ne to close any more areas